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Covington County: As the county commission works to adopt a set of rules and regulations concerning bingo in the county, Covington County District Attorney Greg Gambril is warning anyone who might try to bring in electronic gambling machines.
Gambril sent a letter to county and municipal leaders as well as the Andalusia Star-News May 22 about the machines, according to the Star-News.
“There is nothing about our constitutional amendment legalizing bingo that makes these machines legal. Nothing,” he wrote, according to the Star-News. “[A]nyone found in possession of an illegal slot machine will be prosecuted by either my office or Gov. Riley’s (anti-gambling) Task Force.”
Various reports indicate that at least three gambling operators have approached the county about establishing electronic bingo gambling facilities. And Florala Mayor Robert Williamson confirmed he met with one of the companies recently, the Star-News reported.
The next county commission meeting is set for June 8.
Jefferson County: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Randy Christian confirmed that confusion exists over who is responsible for issuing bingo permits in the county — the sheriff’s office or the county commission. But while that issue is being resolved, the sheriff’s office continues to investigate whether illegal gambling facilities are operating.
Jefferson County Commission president Bettye Fine Collins said electronic bingo gambling is illegal in Jefferson County and that there are concerns about some “bingo” operations.
Christian said cases are currently pending.
Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls said no bingo permits are being given out right now. He would like to see clear regulations written along with a decision over who is responsible for the permits.
“The goal is to get a set of regulations that would differentiate between who is trying to run a business and who’s trying to run a charity,” he said.
State Legislature: A report on how legislators responded to electronic bingo gambling interests during this year’s legislative session is coming soon in The Alabama Baptist.
EDITOR’S NOTE — As a way to consistently monitor electronic bingo gambling issues across the state, The Alabama Baptist will provide updates such as these each week.
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